Apple's radically improved fortunes have led management in South Africa to review the company's reseller channel strategy, starting 1 October, states Territory manager, Bruno Verolini.
"As sales volumes continue to increase, particularly with the launch of iMac, our reseller strategy is evolving to meet the opportunities that arise," observes Verolini. "On 1 October, we will roll out a more streamlined reseller environment which has been stratified to best serve the needs of both corporate and individual customers."
Under the new scheme, professional buyers and users will be the responsibility of the almost 50-strong Apple Authorised Reseller (AAR) community. Tasked with matching user requirements with the many and varied resources available, the AARs will make-up the upper echelon of Apple's future reseller network.
"The Apple Authorised Resellers have the infrastructure and skills to develop solutions in-house, in much the same way as a systems integrator operates" he adds. "The lower, but no less important, tier will be a more open sales channel, intended to address the end-user and commodity end of the market. This will be the area in which single unit and small business sales will grow."
The amendments to Apple's reseller strategy exactly match the company's product lines; PowerMacintosh G3 products are defined as being aimed at the "professional" user, whereas iMac is targetted at the consumer and SoHo marketplace.
"We expect to have the new strategy in place at the beginning of October. In addition to growth in professional sales, you can expect to see iMacs popping-up in all kinds of unexpected places. End-user demand is growing and is being matched by both traditional and innovative ideas in retailing," he concludes.
For the name of the nearest Apple Authorised Reseller, contact 0800 118 440, or visit www.apple.co.za.
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